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Notes

Atlanta's zoo was created by the city of Atlanta after receipt of a donation of animals purchased from circus which had disbanded while on its way to Marietta, Georgia. The animals were housed in Grant Park. Over time the zoo acquired more animals by purchase and in 1935 received another large donation from businessman Asa Candler who needed to relocate his personal menagerie. In 1984 the zoo lost its accreditation after being labeled one of the top ten worst zoos in the country. In an effort to save the zoo the nonprofit organization Atlanta Fulton County Zoo, inc. was created and the zoo itself was taken private in 1985. In subsequent years Zoo Atlanta's reputation has steadily increased and is currently one of Atlanta's leading attractions.